Market Fined Record Amount for Misleading Pesticide Claims

October 5, 2026 · GıdaTarım

The Ministry of Trade's Advertising Board has fined a market chain 1 million 83 thousand Turkish Lira for using the phrase 'no pesticides detected' on its website, despite the presence of pesticide residues below legal limits.

Heavy Penalty for Misleading Pesticide Promotion

The Advertising Board, affiliated with the Ministry of Trade, examined marketing statements on a market chain's website during its meeting on August 13, 2026. As a result of the examination, it was determined that the phrase 'NO PESTICIDES DETECTED' used on the site created an unfair and misleading perception among consumers that the products contained no agricultural chemicals at all. The Board ruled to halt these promotions, which exploited consumer preferences, and imposed an administrative fine of 1 million 83 thousand Turkish Lira on the relevant company for violating regulations.

Sample Inspections and Regulatory Violation

During the review process that formed the basis of the decision, inspections were carried out by teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It was determined that pesticide residues were found in 15 tomato and pepper samples taken during field controls, that these residues were below the legally permitted limits in the legislation, and that they did not prevent the sale of the products. However, a sanction was applied under Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers, on the grounds that marketing the product as 'undetected' while residues were present deceived consumers.

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